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KARACHI, April 26: Governor Ishratul Ibad has lauded the services rendered by the Ida Rieu Poor Welfare Association’s School for Deaf and Blind over the past 80 years.

In his message read out by Aftab Ahmed Sheikh, chief minister’s adviser on Finance, Aftab Ahmad Sheikh, at the prize distribution ceremony held at the school here on Saturday, the governor said that it was a silver lining in the otherwise depressing clouds that a large number of philanthropists were extending assistance to the school which was not only providing educational facilities but also imparting vocational training to the handicapped students.

He observed that a large number of people pass through the Purani Numaish intersection every day, but many of them did not know that there was an institution located there and functioning silently but effectively to serve the handicapped for so many years.

Speakers on the occasion made an impassioned appeal to other philanthropists to come forward and donate generously to the institution for a noble cause. They said that they could assist the institution in any way they could for the welfare of the handicapped people.

Mr Sheikh represented the governor, who could not turn up due to his preoccupations, at the ceremony. The advisor gave away the awards, prizes and shields to the institution and students.

Mr Sheikh offered his cooperation to the school management whenever it approach him. He said that the provincial Minister for Local Bodies, Mohammad Hussain Khan, who was also present on the occasion, would also be available if approached for any assistance.

A cash prize of Rs50,000 each was awarded to Sana Urooj and Master Sohail whereas two prizes of Rs25,000 and Rs10,000 were given away to Ms Zainab and Master Owais respectively.

Gold medals were awarded to Kanwal Virani, who secured 92 per cent marks and stood first in the Intermediate examinations-2002, and Faiza Aslam, who secured third position in the examinations.

Principal of the school Qudsia Khan was awarded a shield and Rs10,000. She donated the award money to the school.

Prominent social worker and artist Jimmy Engineer was also awarded a shield whereas a shield was given away to Gool Minwala posthumously. It was received by her grand daughter, Rushna Minwala.